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The New Jew – What Would Your Mother Say?

The road to Judaism is not always easy, but infinitely more difficult for a lapsed Catholic from the Midwest. Sally Srok Friedes, married to an upper class Jewish man in Manhattan, thought that allowing her future children to be raised as Jews was really going the extra mile. Initially it was enough for her to try to adjust to the culture clash of marrying into a Jewish family. But with the dream of finding a meaningful religion, Sally did try to uncover the mystery of Judaism for herself – only to be left confused, disappointed and alienated at the many doors that were closed to her. Soon she wanted nothing to do with Judaism at all. No one was more surprised than Sally when she discovered the spirituality of Judaism and embraced the religion for herself. The New Jew: An Unexpected Conversion (O-Books Publishing) is a true, spiritual chronology of a ten year journey of conversion to Judaism for the author, told with an abundance of humor, candor, and warmth.  

Sally was sure Bernice, her Jewish mother-in-law, had a vision of the ‘nice Jewish girl’ that her only son would marry someday – and Sally didn’t fit the mold! Sally loved Bernice, in part because Bernice had never made her feel like an outsider.  Not once did Bernice make her feel she did not live up to her expectations, so when Bernice asked her to join them for High Holy Day services – how could she refuse?  Sally hadn’t worried too much about Judaism before; she didn’t have to – her husband had made their interfaith marriage easy by thoroughly enjoying Christmas celebrations with their friends. Their biggest religious clash had been agreeing where to place the Christmas tree and the menorah!  This was about to change.  Since Sally would never insult Bernice, she accepted the invitation to attend synagogue.  The New Jew is the story of a journey to Judaism, made bumpy at times through encounters with rabbis who left her feeling an outsider, but recompensed by the overwhelming acceptance and warmth she felt from Jewish friends and family.  For Jews wondering how others see them, for non-Jews wondering what the mystery is all about, to those in an interfaith marriage, or anyone on a spiritual quest – this book is a must-read! 

Sally Srok Friedes has been a guest speaker about the road to her conversion at temples on both coasts.  She has written for parenting publications, appeared on television, hosted satellite tours, and worked as a panelist on a radio program.  Sally’s love of writing began as a young child and blossomed out of the stories she shared with her grandparents.  Visit her website at www.sallysrokfriedes.com for more information.

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TIP SHEET 

Praise from Rabbi Bernice Weiss, Founder and Director of the Washington Institute for Conversion and the Study of Judaism: “With heartfelt sincerity and eloquence, Sally Friedes very movingly captures the voice, hopes and fears of those who seek out Judaism.”

Karen Kushner, MSW; Director of Project Welcome (an outreach program welcoming interfaith families) wholeheartedly says, “With this inspirational story… Sally chronicles her journey from Catholic outsider to full member of the Jewish community ….revealing that there are comfortable seats at the family table of Judaism just waiting for seekers for other cultures and religions.  The welcoming warmth of her husband’s family…the rabbi she studies with…uncover this truth for her and us in this extraordinary narrative….An important addition to the library of rabbis and interfaith outreach professionals.”

Rave Reviews from Andi Rosenthal, author and columnist, InterfaithFamily.com: “Sally has created a gem of a book…the countless sensitive and moving moments of her personal faith journey are truly universal…beautifully crafted prose evokes a sense of both timeless searching and deep personal revelation…brings her readers through an enlightening journey of an open and loving heart, a deeply inquisitive mind, and a relentlessly seeking soul….ultimately united in their quest for understanding and belonging.  A must read for those considering converting to Judaism…and explorers of faith and ideas among those of all ages and backgrounds.”

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Earth Day encourages children to think “green” about the world they will inherit

With Earth Day rapidly approaching on April 22nd, we are reminded that we need to honor this glorious world of ours by doing our part to improve it.  A mistake in the past has been in not educating our children enough to think “green,” when, in fact, it should begin with them.  We applaud schools that do their part to educate children on the environment, and it is encouraging to hear that around seven hundred elementary and secondary schools are taking part this spring in the first “National Green Week,” with one million children participating by bringing snacks and drinks in reusable containers.  It was the late U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson who launched the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, and his legacy continues through the work of his daughter, Tia Nelson.  It just makes sense that environmentally educated children will grow up to be environmentally responsible adults! 

One author, T. Katz, has taken the lead by writing a children’s book that has definite appeal to parents as an aid in educating their children on environmental issues.  Children are resilient and will participate if the subject is fun, and it is obvious the author understands this in her story of two boys living in a coastal town who take the ocean and its inhabitants for granted – until they discover the magic of the sea through the unusual and mystifying eyes of their teacher.  Miss L’eau (Orchard House Press) is a novel that will inspire children to want to do their part in protecting and preserving the oceans of the world for future generations.  Ms. Katz’ star characters are David and James, friends in league when it comes to finding out their teacher’s secret and uncovering her double life.  It was while David was the recipient of her special stare, as her glasses slipped down to the end of her nose, that he discovered her unusual eyes – eyes as blue-green as the ocean, that practically drew him in and made him believe that he could actually see the angel fish and sea anemones that exist under the surface of the sea.  There follows a frightening yet wonderful experience that changes the boys’ lives forever as they learn the immense power and importance of the ocean and gain a true understanding of its frailty; motivating them enough to help clean up their local beaches. 

The author’s work reflects her understanding of a child’s imagination through her many years in the children’s entertainment industry, as well as her work on hundreds of episodes of animated television.  Miss L’eau piques the interest of young readers everywhere.  For more information, visit the author’s entertaining and interactive website at www.tkatz.com.  

TIP SHEET

REVIEWS:

Serge Dedina, Ph.D., Executive Director of WILDCOAST writes: “T. Katz has written a wonderful book about how children can change the world and protect the ocean…. Recommend to anyone who believes the greatest gift we can leave for our children is a deep and inspiring connection to the natural world.”

From Neal Pargman, Founder of Save the Earth Foundation: “Miss L’eau, a contemporary fairy tale that will capture readers of all ages….brilliantly delivers an environmental message through a story of friendship, family, and giving back.”

Praise from Rob Moir, Ph.D., Director, Ocean River Institute: “Students discover how to turn ocean science to advocacy and stewardship for healthy seas when Miss L’eau floods her classroom with the wonder and awe of ocean life……ocean literacy at its finest……”

From Francesca N. Veitch, Ocean Conservancy: “Miss L’eau combines a fun mystery plot with an important message regarding care of the ocean….thank you for writing a book that will hopefully lead young people towards a love and stewardship of our world’s marine life.”

Capt. Paul Clark, President of Save Our Seas: “Miss L’eau is very captivating.  I was inspired and it brought a tear at the end….nice work!….Inspiring and full of good plans and hope for future students…I wish I had a teacher like this when I was growing up – it would have gotten me on an eco-track a lot faster”

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Catch those lost ‘butterflies’ in your marriage – start dating your spouse

Clearfield, Utah, March 4, 2009 – In an age where the economy is having a negative affect on marriages and divorce seems to be the norm, it is doubly refreshing to find a book that shows the reader how to fall in love with their spouse all over again; remembering what drew them together and made them “the one” in the first place, and showing how to have fun along the journey!

Lindsey Rietzschis the author of How to Date Your Spouse (Visintra Group Publishers), a lighthearted book that helps bring humor back into a relationship and re-ignites the intimacy and passion that was prevalent during the courting phase.  The author has a personal dream – to help improve and strengthen marriages throughout the world since happy spouses are the center of a happy family, and happy families are essential to a stronger society.  She believes that strong societies working together are the key to a better world – and she is doing her part to improve the world one marriage at a time! 

Using the invaluable experience she gained from teaching self-management and relationship courses in Utah as the foundation and inspiration for her book, and enhancing it with her own rich blend of humor, creativity, and understanding, Lindsey has managed to produce a fresh, new perspective on the topic of marriage improvement.  She offers realistic advice and date ideas to reignite the feeling of newness, showing how to set the tone for a special date, how open communication is key, and how to show love for each other in public without feeling awkward.  She magically helps bring back the mystery so the reader once again experiences those old, forgotten ‘butterflies’ at the sight of their loved one.  It is a heartwarming, step-by-step guide to falling head over heels in love again, recapturing feelings thought to be long gone.

Lindsey’s Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree in Communication, Family Studies and Social Work is reflected in her knowledge of human behavior and shows in this very promising author’s witty, writing style.  Check out her web site for more information at www.howtodateyourspouse.com.  Also, if you would like to be a part of marriage improvement worldwide, become a fan of How to Date Your Spouse on Facebook and you’ll be kept informed of upcoming events, contests and giveaways, plus join in discussions and find ways to improve your own marriage.  On the author’s website go to the link for “Facebook Fan Club” and follow the directions to get signed up.

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TIP SHEET

Review Lindsey’s TV interviews at the following links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVmWvxJJYow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n72lKnd9Ey8

REVIEWS:

John M. Hunstman, Jr., Governor of Utah, took the time to write: “Lindsey, you are to be commended for your efforts to help preserve marriage and the family.”

Tristi Pinkston, Author, wrote: “….is a fun and lighthearted book that reminds us how important it is to keep creating special moments together.  Now that the goal of marriage has been met, the courting is not over…. We need to continue to take time out for each other…spend time together…dress up for each other.”

Ranee Johnson, a Licensed Professional Counselor, adds “The ideas in this book are based upon a wellness model rather than a disease model….great way for people to enrich and work on a relationship …. before it gets diseased …. Lindsey’s ideas are great for keeping a marriage vibrant and alive….the book is for anyone who wants to enjoy and have fun enhancing their relationship.”

The praise flows from a 5-Star Customer Review on Deseretbook.com, saying, “Wonderful dating ideas!  I love this book …great ideas on how to keep my relationship alive and fun….some of these ideas are inexpensive but clever.”

And from a 5-Star Customer Review on Amazon.com, “I bought this book after hearing an interview with the author on the radio.  It is well written and fun to read….really like the date ideas ….have tried some with my wife.…had a lot of fun without spending a lot of money.  My wife is looking at me differently already.”

Two avid readers made the following statements:

“Wonderful dating ideas…love this book!  What great ideas on how to keep my relationship with my husband alive and fun.”

“One of the better things about the book is her ideas….Lindsey does a good job of just having the ideas ready to get you started …after you start…then you can create some of your own….I always need help with creativity.  I like her book that way.”

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Author Tina Murray – “A Chance to say Yes” – In the midst of money, glamour and lust, lives a secret so life-changing it could rip their worlds apart.

Author Tina Murray – “A Chance to say Yes”

What if your old high-school flame who became one of the world’s most famous movie stars moved back to town? What if he didn’t know that for twenty years you had been keeping a secret from him?

Heston Demming is at the peak of his acting career – an international celebrity whose face is on every tabloid. He is wealthy, drop-dead gorgeous, and stalked by the paparazzi, but beneath the polished veneer he is a man fighting for emotional survival – a man whose life is falling apart. When he returns to his hometown of Naples, Florida, his lavish lifestyle is declaration of victory over the poverty and hardship of his youth, but deep down inside he is a man drowning in despair. During his attempts to make restitution to those he wronged, Poppy Talbot, a woman he had left behind in his quest for money and fame, comes back into his life. Poppy still retains the same sweetness she had when they were love-struck teenagers and Heston realizes she is the one woman who could save him if he could get her to forgive and forget the past. Poppy is now an art dealer in this wealthy town; married but currently separated from her husband, and yet she had never stopped dreaming of seeing Heston again some day. What Heston doesn’t know is that she actually had vivid nightmares about it – about the consequences of a long-kept secret – one so deep that if she lets Heston back into her life it will surely rip their lives apart.

A_Chance_to_say_YesA Chance to Say Yes (ArcheBooks Publishing) takes you inside the explosive and private life of this exclusive beachfront community’s most renowned son. For anyone who loves celebrity gossip, this book is a must read! The first novel in the Demming family saga from author Tina Murray – this is a love story for both women and men.

TIP SHEET:

This talented new author has received rave reviews on her premiere novel:

“….. Tina Murray skillfully portrays an elite world jam-packed with romance, glamour, lust, greed, deception, betrayal and surprising twists and turns to keep you captivated to the very last word,”
–Jane Kennedy Sutton, author of The Ride.

“Anyone looking for a sweet romantic tale with suspense will find it in A Chance to Say Yes…..while one plot against our heroine is quickly put in motion and just as quickly quelled, another plot pulls the suspense.”
–Sandy Lender, author of Choices Meant for Gods.

“…..thoroughly enjoyed it on several different levels…. the plot was as sophisticated and intriguing as anything I’ve ever read and the characters were complete and easy to identify with……she nailed the multifaceted personalities.”
–Darrell House, author of Miller the Green Caterpillar.

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Army Brigadier General gives all book royalties to the USO Fund for Wounded Warriors


Army Brigadier General A.J. Tata is giving every dime of royalties from his new book, Sudden Threat (Variance Publishing) to the United Services Organization Hospital Services Fund to help care for wounded warriors and their families.  At the book release party alone he raised over $15,000 for the troops.

The founder of the Military Writer’s Society of America, W.H. McDonald Jr., says “Author A. J. Tata has got to have the hottest new action book out on terrorism by far! His newest book “Sudden Threat” sizzles like an over-heated barrel on an M-60 Machine Gun! There is enough action, suspense, intrigue, death, destruction and dangerous politics for four novels!  This book is a winner and will be a definite hit for those who love to read books on the war on terrorism.  The book is well crafted. The plot is dynamite – totally an original way to tell a great story. The dialog is alive and moves the plot forward; but it is his portrayal of the people in the story that allows the reader to fully visualize them in their minds.  Brilliantly crafted book and destined to be a top seller! – it is that good!”

NY Times bestselling author Brad Thor calls Tata, “The new Tom Clancy,” and says Sudden Threat is, “Electrifying.”

Tata enthralls readers with an overview of what is really happening on the strategic and operational levels in our military.  He emphasizes that his book is fiction, though after reading the Threat series books you realize that the man has something to say and is speaking from the heart.

Sudden Threat is dedicated to three soldiers that Tata served with, who were killed in combat.

More information can be found at www.ajtata.com


TIP SHEET

US News Report – Washington Whispers
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2008/12/24/the-armys-very-own-tom-clancy.html

 

USA Today.com—Clancy Gets Outranked
http://content.usatoday.com/topics/article/Tom+Clancy/016kdRR1Uk7k9/1

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2008/12/clancy-gets-outranked.php

 

Additional Reviews:

“One of my favorite authors, A.J. Tata is the new Tom Clancy. Only someone who has actually operated in the deadly netherworld of international military intrigue could write a book this gripping. Sudden Threat is electrifying.”
— Brad Thor, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of The Last Patriot

“Topical, frightening, possible, and riveting, A.J. Tata’s debut novel SUDDEN THREAT should be read by all fans of military fiction. Mixing Dale Brown’s exacting detail with Stephen Coonts edge-of-the-seat pacing, here is a story that demands to be read in one sitting.”

—James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of THE LAST ORACLE and THE JUDAS STRAIN

“Tata takes intrigue and re-shapes it for the post 9-11 era. He’s the new Tom Clancy.”
— Stel Pavlou, International Bestselling Author of Decipher and Gene

“A chilling glance into the dark heart of fundamentalism, A.J. Tata captures perfectly the new paranoia of our time. The threat is huge, the action exhilarating. Tata stands at the forefront of the new breed of thriller writers. This is the stuff our fears are made of. Brilliant.”
— Steven Savile, International Bestselling Author of Primeval: Shadow of the Jaguar

“Every military thriller writer wants to be compared to Tom Clancy, but to be called better? That’s what A.J. Tata is hearing about his first work… his books, filled with terrorist tales, are very realistic.”
— Paul Bedard, U.S. News & World Report, on Rogue Threat

Author AJ Tata on Fox & Friends

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“Warrior Scholar” Author A.J. Tata Raises over $14,000 for USO Fund for Wounded Warriors

West Point graduate, Harvard educated, Army Brigadier General A.J. Tata has sold out of books at every signing he has held, since the November 25th release date of Sudden Threat.

That is especially good news because Tata tells us, “Every dime of royalties from Sudden Threat is going to the United Services Organization Hospital Services Fund to help care for wounded warriors and their families. At the book release alone we sold 172 copies of the book and raised over $11,000 for the troops.”

The founder of the Military Writer’s Society of America, W.H. McDonald Jr. says “Author A. J. Tata has got to have the hottest new action book out on terrorism by far! His newest book “Sudden Threat” sizzles like an over-heated barrel on a M-60 Machine Gun! There is enough action, suspense, intrigue, death, destruction and dangerous politics for four novels! This book is a winner and will be a definite hit for those who love to read books on the war on terrorism. The book is well crafted. The plot is dynamite – totally an original way to tell a great story. T he dialog is alive and moves the plot forward; but it is his portrayal of the people in the story that allows the reader to fully visualize them in their minds. Brilliantly crafted book and destined to be a top seller! Buy it and read it – it is that good!”

NY Times bestselling author Brad Thor calls Tata, “The new Tom Clancy,” and says Sudden Threat is, “Electrifying.” Barnes and Noble and Borders managers tend to agree. “I’ve never seen anything like this for a new author,” said Bradley Mattocks, manager of the Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia Borders. “We just sold 48 books in less than two hours. I could tell when I read the inside flap of this book, then met him, that this guy is going to be a best-selling author in a matter of months.”

“I truly enjoyed talking with and getting to know every single customer that came in to buy the book,” said Tata. “The response has been so positive and I’m hopeful that fans of thriller fiction every where will dive into the adventures of my two heroes, Matt and Zach Garrett.”

Appearances on Cathy Lewis’ award winning National Public Radio show, HearSay, and Tony Macrini’s morning drive-time talk show were definite contributors to what booksellers and book reviewers see as the inevitable rise to the bestseller list for Sudden Threat. Cathy Lewis described Tata’s book as a “great read” and “captivating.” Both talk show hosts emphasized the fact that Tata has the bona fides to write military thrillers. He has commanded a paratrooper battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division, an air assault brigade in the 101st Airborne Division and was the deputy commanding general of the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan in 2006-2007.

Macrini describes Tata as a “Warrior Scholar”, who has not only earned extensive combat experience, but has a Master’s from Catholic University and was a National Security Fellow at Harvard University’s JFK School of Government.

“What a cool guy,” Macrini said as he wrapped up the interview with Tata.

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Author, Jeremy Robinson, secures film deal with his latest book Antarktos Rising

Jeremy Robinson has secured an animated feature film deal with a blockbuster big budget for Antarktos Rising. The book, that has just been released, has received rave reviews from NY Times best-selling authors Steve Berry (The Charlemagne Pursuit), James Rollins (The Judas Strain), Stel Pavlou (Decipher), Steve Alten (The Shell Game), and Scott Sigler (Ancestor).

In addition, Jeremy is receiving a great amount of praise for his latest idea of online book signings. An idea that is sure to catch on fast with all authors, worldwide. Jeremy meets with his fans face-to-face at his book signings through Virtual Book Signings powered by Skype. With a computer-ready video cam and microphone, readers just log on to his site, follow the steps, and reserve the time and date of their choice. Each book is signed while on camera and then sent by US postal service. What an amazing and unique idea! Fans are loving it. Already, in-store book-signings are sounding old fashioned, aren’t they?

Antarktos Rising (Variance Publishing) is the story of an epic journey to a new world after a phenomenon, known as crustal displacement, shifts the earth’s crust and repositions continents, leaving countless dead in its wake. As the world struggles to take care of its displaced billions, Antarctica em erges as a new hope. The leading nations devise a competition – a race to the center of Antarctica – with the three victors dividing the continent between them. Mirabelle Whitney, a survivor of the displacement even and an expert on Antarctica, is recruited to guide an American Special Forces unit across the thawed out continent. As they race toward Antarctica’s center, she comes to realize there is a danger rising from the melting ice on this new Promised Land, a danger far more frightening than the evil intentions of her fellow man.

Antarktos Rising is a book not to miss. This is a page-turning, exciting thriller t hat will keep you up all night. Jeremy Robinson appears to have another Barnes & Noble on-line best-seller in the making, as he did in 2005 with The Didymus Contingency. www.jeremyrobinsononline.com

TIP SHEET

“Jeremy Robinson is an original and exciting voice. Antarktos Rising fires on all cylinders in a smart, taut thrill.”

— Steve Berry  
NY Times best-selling author of The Venetian Betrayal and The Charlemagne Pursuit


“Robinson opens a new dark continent of terror. Trespass at your own risk.”
 — James Rollins
NY Times best-selling author of Black Order and The Judas Strain

“An awesome journey into the beating heart of a legend; Jules Verne would be proud.”
— Stel Pavlou
NY Times best-selling author of Decipher and Gene

“A fast-paced chiller that delves into new possibilities about our future…and past.”
 — Steve Alten
NY Times best-selling author of Meg, Hell’s Aquarium and
The Shell Game

“…a jaw-dropping concept so real it will have you Googling like mad to learn more after the story is finished.”
— Scott Sigler
NY Times best-selling author of Ancestor and Earthcore

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To interview Jeremy Robinson, or request a book for review, please contact Monica Foster: 281-324-2180 [email protected] 
 

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